Letter to the editor: Offshore energy resources could help the state

The Trump administration is examining whether to open federal waters off the coast of South Carolina for energy exploration. Many are up in arms thinking they’ll see oil platforms during their upcoming trips to the beach.

That won’t happen.

Platforms and wind towers, if built, would be dozens of miles offshore. You wouldn’t see or run into any jet skiing or parasailing. We’re also a long way off from such structures being built.

This is a years-long federal process. Right now, it’s all about gathering information about what capabilities lay far offshore, educating the public, understanding how many jobs will be created, how state budgets will be impacted and if it’ll help or hurt industries.

Such a plan does not mean development is a given. It may not happen at all.

If offshore energy is developed, it could be a boon for the entire state. Residents here spend an annual average of $3,763 on energy – a taxing number for many, especially the 15 percent of residents who regularly see a double-digit percentage of their income go toward energy expenses.

But balanced policies that support wind, solar, oil, natural gas and nuclear can help lower these unnecessarily high costs, if done carefully. Thanks to stringent regulations, improved techniques and innovative technologies, the state can reap these benefits, lower household costs, safeguard the environment and protect other key industries like fishing and tourism.

It’s a carefully-planned process. Good thing. There’s a lot on the line, our cash-strapped neighbors and delicate environment included.